Your decision to have either a buffet style or sit-down dinner at your wedding reception is a significant one, because each choice will greatly influence the overall feel of your wedding. Which option you decide to go with will depend on how formal you’d like your wedding reception to be, and of course, your budget.

The first step is to figure out what your dinner budget is. Wedding caterers usually quote a sit-down dinner by giving you a rate per person. A sit-down dinner will be more expensive because the caterer will need more staff there to serve you and your guests.

Even though a wedding buffet menu is less formal than a sit-down dinner, you are presenting your guests with more options with a buffet spread and more freedom with portion size. Your guests will also have the option to head back to the buffet for seconds if they’re still hungry.

The time of day your reception takes place can also affect your decision. A buffet style dinner is more appropriate for a daytime wedding, as they are generally less formal than evening weddings.

Take your time with this decision and make sure you shop around for quotes. If you’re not holding your wedding at a hotel that offers their own catering, then explore wedding catering menus from as many catering companies as you can. The types of dishes offered and the cost of each option will help you make the right choice for your wedding.